Jouke Casper Verlinden professor - vice-dean

Research Jouke Casper Verlinden

Research team

Expertise

Product design and digital fabrication (3D printing/additive manufacturing, robotics, CNC/deformation), supported by embodied interactive visualisation. New products and services based on Advanced Manufacturing. Includes mouth mask and other PPE (emergency production of FFP2/FFP3 respirators in 2020). Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in the design process. Long-term collaboration with Flanders Make. Cultural heritage and conservation with digital/augmented processes

IOF Valorisation manager product development. 04/03/2024 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

The Antwerp Design Factory is part of the Department of Product Development and closely linked to our prototyping facilities. Valorisation of the Antwerp Design Factory (productisation of research, knowledge-intensive innovation, pre-incubation). Coordination of running projects.

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  • Research Project

ABN HaFreeS MVP Prototype. 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024

Abstract

In this project we investigated during the first phase (IOF-POC ABN HaFrees Feasibility) whether it was possible to develop a hands-free kit for bicycles. The main goals here were ease of use and call quality at speeds above 10 to 15 km/h. To this end, we mapped the market, from which it became clear that the first focus should be on the functional user (i.e. the professional who wants to use his work-related commute by bike to call colleagues, customers, etc.). The first tests showed that a significant suppression of wind noise is possible using several techniques (selection of good microphones, the choice of an optimal arrangement of each individual microphone combined in an optimal configuration, appropriate shielding i.c.w. the right signal processing algorithms). The techniques on their own do not provide sufficient improvement, but the delta is sufficient so that the combination should allow for a quality conversation at 25km/h. In this second phase of the project, we want to develop a minium viable product (MVP) prototype, which should allow to (1) characterize the product on its main qualities, (2) benchmark the product against competing products, (3) set up tests in view of user feedback and (4) define the further direction of the valorization. An essential hurdle here is the intellectual protection of the technology.

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  • Research Project

Crafting Futures. Revising & transforming the evaluation, assessment & validation of craftsmanship to enhance its economic & societal impact (CRAFTING FUTURES). 01/10/2023 - 30/09/2027

Abstract

Crafting Futures examines and transforms the assessment & validation mechanisms by which crafts knowledge and know-how (CKK) is evaluated, to enhance its value added for economy and society in Flanders. Crafts are resources for competitiveness, innovation, sustainable development and quality of life, contributing to SDG4, 8 and 11. Yet the services and tools needed to foster the recognition of the value of CKK currently hamper the full utilisation of its economic and societal potential, as they mostly reduce CKK to cultural heritage. Our main objectives are to 1) understand the shortcomings of the assessment and validation mechanisms and tools and 2) transform the "repertoires of evaluation" and the related validation tools. This is achieved by interdisciplinary research & urban co-creative labs in which we 1) map the controversies around the assessment and validation of CKK in ecosystems where crafts people collaborate with other professionals (formal education and maker spaces); 2) produce a new scientific toolbox and conceptual framework that enables future scientists to approach CKK beyond its heritage value and assess and validate its economic and societal value across disciplines; 3) co-create formats and tools which enable crafts people and stakeholders such as educators and entrepreneurs to valorise CKK more effectively and productively (business models, certificates, …), 4) design recommendations and plans for urban and regional governments, which enable to optimise CKK's integration and impact in economy and society (professional qualifications, property protection, …), and 5) valorise and sustain these tools for the future through a plan for a crafts council Flanders, which would also represent crafts people in future policy making processes. We will develop and test our revised formats and tools in action research labs that analyse in-depth a set of "boundary cases" by our stakeholders and experiment with hybrid craftsmanship and 21st-century skills.

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  • Research Project

Transforming crafts knowledge for a sustainable, inclusive and economically viable heritage in Europe (Tracks4Crafts). 01/03/2023 - 28/02/2027

Abstract

Tracks4Crafts examines and transforms the transmission of traditional crafts knowledge (TCK) to enhance the societal and economic valuation of crafts and align them with a future-oriented heritage approach in Europe. As intangible cultural heritage (ICH), crafts and TCK can be seen as resources for competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development and quality of life, contributing to SDG 4, 8 and 11. Yet the tools, formats and instruments needed to foster the transmission and employment of TCK are lagging behind, which hampers the full development of its potential. Our objectives are to enhance and transform the transmission of TCK for a more effective economic as well as societal valuation of crafts. This is achieved in 4 Tracks, in which we (1) transform learning processes in physical spaces in which crafts people collaborate (in hi-tech environments, including fablabs and maker spaces etc.), (2) develop new digital technologies that enhance and transform transmission of TCK, (3) produce tools and instruments which enable capturing and optimising the value of the produced TCK (business modelling, certification and property protection), and (4) create networks to foster and disseminate the societal and economic value of TCK (e.g. through the CHARTER-alliance). The output is based on experiments in 8 craft ecosystems in which we develop and test formats for learning and tools for certification and validation in which (1) the economic and cultural barriers related to traditional TCK-transmission are addressed (i.a. the lengthy nature of learning, the fear of the craft getting lost…) and (2) the full potential of technology is tapped (i.a. for turning embodied TCK in open-source knowledge). To ensure that the solutions bridge the heritage perspective and the economic and societal needs and that our solutions are shared and transferable, our approach is deeply interdisciplinary and based on processes of multi-stakeholder co-creation (including action research).

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  • Research Project

Craftmanship 4.0 through augmented fabrication. 01/01/2023 - 31/12/2024

Abstract

Industry 4.0 focuses on cyber-physical manufacturing systems. Most of the applications are focused on engineering topics, such as instrumentation, data processing and digital twinning, adaptability by flexible automation (sensing/robots), servitisation of capital goods, and logistics. The emerging Industry 5.0 trend, in which this project fits, puts an additional focus on extending human skills and wellbeing by human-centred design research For this, we adopt the paradigm of the "Wise Chisel": location and situation-aware support that extends traditional making with computational models. These are presented to the user using augmented reality and other contemporary digital design tools. This pilot project is aiming in establishing a framework for wise chisels, with new (publishable) insights through experimental work planned in the coming year, as well as co-organising workshops on modern craftmanship to engage (inter)national industry and vocational learning organisations/public institutions (at Cumulus conference 2023 and one yet to be determined in late 2023). Our aim is to gather a community around this framework and propose new research avenues that could benefit the Horizon Europe societal challenges destination: "A human-centred and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies".

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  • Research Project

Different Tubes. 01/12/2022 - 30/11/2026

Abstract

The research explores clarinet and bass clarinet preparation in a technologically up to date context and discusses the consequent transformation of the performer's perceived and acknowledged identity. Despite the triggering role that preparation had in the development of other instruments' repertoire and technique, its use on clarinet remains, to date, infrequent, with very few examples of works conceived for the prepared instrument. Besides, an accessible and systematic study method to approach the existing repertoire and the related techniques is still missing. The goal of this work is then twofold: stimulating artistic creation in this field and sharing knowledge on these practices. The research is inspired by the ongoing discourse on the human-technology relationship. Instrumental preparation inserts itself at the core of the symbiotic relationship happening between the instrumentalist and his instrument: modifying the instrument and the activity happening on it, preparation affects and transforms the performer. A distinctive characteristic of this work is then the choice of a "contemporary" approach to preparation, making use of digital technologies to expand the instrument and the traditional creative process. For this reason, the collaboration with the Department of Product Development of the University of Antwerp, and with composers/experts in this field, will offer the possibility of developing new instrument prototypes with the support of 3D printing technology and of the Arduino electronic prototyping platform. Two research questions will guide the study: 1. What are the logics and methods of clarinet preparation? 2. How does the preparation process transform the performer's practice and role? Research in this field will be done through the analysis of case studies (solo works for prepared clarinet or bass clarinet, from the existing repertoire or fruit of new collaborations). Through a reflective diary of my daily working practice and activity, and through the development and validation of a specific technical training. The research will produce a catalogue of clarinet preparation strategies, examining the logics that determine the choice of a specific preparation and the methods that practically realize them. Acknowledging and collecting the fundamental experience of performers and teachers who have previously worked on this repertoire, the study will discuss the competences that a prepared clarinetist needs to possess, confront the changes in his study and working practice and propose a specific technical training for the required skills.

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  • Research Project

Nexor - Cyber-Physical Systems for the Industry 4.0 era 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0 as it is commonly referred to) is driven by extreme digitalization, enabled by tremendous computing capacity, smart collaborating machines and wireless computer networks. In the last six years, Nexor — a multi-disciplinary research consortium blending expertise from four Antwerp research labs — has built up a solid track record therein. We are currently strengthening the consortium in order to establish our position in the European eco-system. This project proposal specifies our 2021 - 2026 roadmap, with the explicit aim to empower industrial partners to tackle their industry 4.0 challenges. We follow a demand driven approach, convincing industrial partners to pick up our innovative research ideas, either by means of joint research projects (TRL 5—7) or via technology licenses.

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Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

ABN HaFreeS Feasibility. 01/09/2022 - 31/12/2023

Abstract

In this project, we take the first steps in the development a novel hands-free communication set for use on bicycles. The main advantages of our solution in comparison to current solutions are call quality and convenience. Call quality is our main selling point: wind noise, traffic noise and contact noise impede comfortable calling at a speed above 10-15 km/h with the current available technology; we aim to overcome these shortcomings using technology building blocks available in Cosys-lab that have matured in other application domains. We mainly focus on showing technology feasibility, initiating a market study and perform initial user outreach activities. We will also start preparing the design of an MVP prototype. These activities are an essential first step to determine if it is worthwhile to pursue the end goal of commercializing the solution in a spin-off. If the technology is shown to work and the valorisation potential lives up to our expectations, we will undertake further steps in later projects to develop a deep market insight, a convincing MVP prototype and a solid value chain. These elements are necessary to reach the end goal of starting a VC-funding-free spin-off, bootstrapping with funding gathered in a crowdfunding campaign.

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  • Research Project

IOF Valorisation manager product development. 01/09/2022 - 30/09/2023

Abstract

The Antwerp Design Factory is part of the Department of Product Development and closely linked to our prototyping facilities. Valorisation of the Antwerp Design Factory (productisation of research, knowledge-intensive innovation, pre-incubation). Coordination of running projects.

Researcher(s)

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project

A Taxonomy for Multi-Motion Systems. 26/08/2022 - 31/01/2023

Abstract

There is a demand from Flanders Make for a taxonomy of existing and future multi-motion systems. This taxonomy is put down in a partly visual and partly verbal language, and aims to facilitate the internal communication around multi-motion systems within Flanders Make.

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  • Research Project

Museum Monitoring Tool (MuMo-project). 01/07/2022 - 31/08/2024

Abstract

Climate monitoring for museums/art objects using LORA, based on a previous trajectory in collaboration with the Antwerp Fashion Museum and iMec (Gent). Open source hardware/software trajectory focused on various measurement options, ideally compatible with SOLID for data retention.

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  • Research Project

Product development to improve intuitive manual assembly. 01/10/2021 - 30/09/2023

Abstract

In the research group design.nexus of UGent, a method was developed during a PhD to simplify the assembly process and make it more intuitive, starting with product development. Within the Tetra project it is the intention to implement this methodology in various business contexts and on various products. The company-specific factors must be mapped out in order to optimize the methodology in function of these factors, as well as quantify the impact of the methodology in various business contexts. The project also includes demonstrator case(s) and developed training tool(s) that enable designers in companies to implement the methodology in a simple and tailor-made manner.

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  • Research Project

Francqui Chair 2021-2022 Prof. Ann Dooms. 01/10/2021 - 30/09/2022

Abstract

As Francqui guest professor, prof Dooms will present the latest on discrete mathematics and related fields (specifically deep learning, reinforcement learning). As this guest professorship is located in the Faculty of Design Sciences, different applications to design and creativity will be discussed in a series of 10 lectures. Furthermore, Ann Dooms will be involved in a workshop during the international design week (IDW 2022), entitled "Computer says YES".

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  • Research Project

AI-Driven VR training in an adaptive user context 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2022

Abstract

The project will explore AI and 3D scanning techniques in the development of VR training courses. Proofs of concept (POCs) and user cases on how VR training courses can optimise motivation and knowledge transfer among employees. This project is initially aimed at 50 SMEs that develop VR training simulations. In addition, 129 training and education centers that offer training courses and issue certificates belong to the target group.

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  • Research Project

Sizing system for respirator masks. 01/01/2021 - 31/05/2022

Abstract

This project seeks to develop a novel sizing system specifically for filtering facepiece respirator masks. We will work from anthropometric databases and 3D scanning of face and head shapes of participants to build up the sizing system for adults and adolescents. The masks will be designed, fabricated and tested at the Antwerp Design Factory, and qualitative and quantitative studies of the masks to be performed with users to establish important factors like model comfort and performance.

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  • Research Project

Robust Optimization Demo - VaProFam Demo. 30/09/2020 - 23/11/2020

Abstract

Innovative visualisation embodied in a demonstrator, to empower communication between stakeholders of abstract design and optimisation algorithms, developed at Flanders Make Codesigns. Based on research through design approach and to be exhibited during the Danders Make "Top Tech on tour"

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  • Research Project

Design & optimisation cluster toolchains. 01/06/2020 - 31/12/2020

Abstract

- From Flanders Make there is a demand for a classification of current and future tools developed by the cluster Design & Optimisation in order to facilitate the design process of multidisciplinary systems. - This classification is multi-dimensional, if based on different parameters. It must be understandable for a wide audience, while containing sufficient nuance to provoke discussion among experts. - This classification must be translated into a coherent, graphic visual language that can be used by Flanders Make researchers and business developers. - The classification and visual language will initially be used internally by Flanders Make. The purpose is to give a clear overview of the available tools and to make it easy to fit these tools into the targets of the roadmap. In addition, the classification and the visual language also serve as a vivid and understandable tool to explain the content of the tools to the prospects and customers of Flanders Make. Based on the presented classification, the right questions can be asked to the customer and the relevant tools can be filtered out. To this end, Flanders Make also wants to generate a series of use cases from completed projects. For each use case, a slide needs to be composed showing, with text, pictures and graphics, an application in which one or more tools were used.

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  • Research Project

Design for Demonstrators. 01/05/2020 - 30/04/2024

Abstract

This project will investigate the phenomenon of demonstrators, and how demonstrators and other emerging forms of prototypes are manifestations in design processes. Based on case studies in industry and interviews with modern thought leaders, the candidate will develop a design methodology to enhance the dialogue between stakeholders, creation of (physical and virtual) prototypes through digital fabrication, and relevant assessment methods.

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  • Research Project

A Design Methodology for Mass-Personalization with Additive Manufacturing. 01/05/2020 - 31/10/2020

Abstract

Increasingly differentiating customer needs and expectations in combination with the highly competitive global market creates the necessity of new approaches. Mass-Personalization (MP) presents an opportunity to meet diversifying customer needs in consumer products market with a near mass-production efficiency. Traditional product development methodologies fall short to guide design for MP and a dedicated systematic methodology is essential. The proposed approach bases on a dynamic product template that automatically adapts with user input and produces a reliable output. Increasingly differentiating customer needs and expectations in combination with the highly competitive global market creates the necessity of new approaches. Mass-Personalization (MP) presents an opportunity to meet diversifying customer needs in consumer products market with a near mass-production efficiency. Traditional product development methodologies fall short to guide design for MP and a dedicated systematic methodology is essential. The proposed approach bases on a dynamic product template that automatically adapts with user input and produces a reliable output.

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  • Research Project

Technical and electronical solutions to mitigate risks for covid-19 infections 09/04/2020 - 12/05/2020

Abstract

During the covid-19 outbreak, intense caregiving was required in treating too many infected patients, compared to the capacity of personel and equipment. In particular, this pressure resulted in inter alia bottlenecks in power supply of active respiratory protectors as used in the intensive care unit of UZA. By using CAD, 3D printing and electronic components, our collaborators Sam Smedts and Jochen Vleugels resolved these bottlenecks. Their solution has significantly contributed to the fact that "not a single caregiver of the ICU was infected with covid", according to UZA, our client in this small but high impact fee-for-service project. In this project we delivered solutions that protect ehalth care providers at University hospitals

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  • Research Project

Fast track development FFP2-FFP3 face masks. 16/03/2020 - 15/03/2021

Abstract

This project started with anticipated shortages in respiratory protective equipment (RPE) at the beginning of the COVID crisis, March 2020, with the challenge to develop an emergency production line of FFP2 and FFP3. The aim was set to achieve local production, with documented and ensured quality. A design brief was drawn from existing respiratory equipment available at UZA and a protocol for emergency validation and quality control was derived from RPE regulations (EN149). Validation methods were constructed in consult with FAGG and FOD-economie. Our team at Antwerp Design Factory immediately started concurrent engineering both modeling, tooling, sourcing and validation. Results comprised validated models for industrial production (curved patterns), fully customizable production line with linear patterns including emergency quality control, with external validation by IFA and Mensura. The customizable line is extremely compact and produces 5000 FFP2 masks in one 38hour shift with 8 operators. Tooling can be realized by 3D prints and laser cutters. Our developments were supported by a scientific advisory board from policy makers, academic and industrial stakeholders. Masks were provided to UZA, ZNA to protect caregivers at COVID units and to the province of Antwerp, to initiated contact tracing.

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  • Research Project

3DScan^3. 01/01/2020 - 31/12/2021

Abstract

This is a joint application of research groups at the faculty of Design Sciences. At this faculty, the research focus on the human being in relation to artefacts comprising products and services, design heritage, and buildings. The factor that connects this myriad of research activities is scale – the human experiential scale of the tangible and visual artefacts, that can be perceived directly with the sensory system, without additional instrumentation (e.g., magnifying glasses or telescope). We aim to consider, understand, and reflect on artefacts that are the result of a design process, situated on a scale from millimetres to kilometres. For all research groups, enhanced digitalisation systems are required to keep up with the pace of competing institutions, or in some aspects the new infrastructure will allow us to go beyond the state of current art in design science (esp. digital heritage/time machine and digital human body modelling).

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  • Research Project

LoRaWan MuseumLogger. 01/01/2020 - 30/06/2020

Abstract

In partnership with the Antwerp Fashion Museum, this project aims to develop of an open source data logging system to monitor the climate conditions at the museum depots of MoMu (light, humidity and temperature (lux,% RH, ° C)) as well as visual inspection of insect traps. The LORA protocol is used to operate the remote data loggers for a long time. Because our museum objects are increasingly being kept outside the home, these data loggers must be accessible from an external location. With financial support from the Flemish government (Department of Culture, Youth and Media), the focus is on open hardware and software components in order to be able to build a data log system that delivers quality data tailored to the museum. Moreover, this open methodology makes the data logger modular and enables relatively inexpensive implementation of a similar setup at other museums. MoMu has already realized several prototypes that demonstrate the feasibility of this idea. In collaboration with the University of Antwerp (Product Development Department: the Antwerp Design Factory), we want to further develop these prototypes into a truly functioning product (Minimal Viable Product - MVP) that will be used effectively to take care of the climate control of MoMu's external depot.

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  • Research Project

Development and validation of a user-friendly method to deploy immersive technologies in the process of product development. 01/11/2019 - 31/10/2023

Abstract

The goal of this research is to provide a user-friendly method for product developers to interact with Virtual, Augmented Reality and/or Mixed reality (MR, merging the real and the virtual world). We will define and validate a method to deploy MR in the process of product development. The project was defined by the observation that the product development process can be improved by revisiting interaction in mixed MR with design objects. For example, organic shapes (e.g. geometrical surfaces with non-trivial curvatures) can be directly handled in MR and then tuned to flexible manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, bypassing the need for complex and cumbersome on-screen manipulations in digital drawing. The goal of this research is achieved by the development, implementation, testing and validation of a toolkit that incorporates latest advancements in MR in different stages of the design process: ideation, system design, concept design and prototyping/manufacturing. Envisioned improvements are: increased efficiency, more accurate communication, enhanced perception, faster verification, less iterations and faster decision making. Consequently, the toolkit will improve the outcome of the product development process and/or reduce efforts to achieve a non-inferior product. The toolkit focuses on products that directly interact with the human body.

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  • Research Project

Digital Heritage for Smart Regions (Time Machine). Test-case: Herentals and the Kleine Nete. 01/10/2019 - 30/09/2021

Abstract

How can we unlock the Wisdom of the Past to answer spatial challenges today? The Digital Revolution is producing massive amounts of digital and digitized historical and archaeological data, which can be located with different degrees of precision in the landscape. Once integrated in a Geographical Information System (GIS), these data can be turned into a digital 'Time Machine'. In this project, funded by the Province of Antwerp, and framed in the scientific collaboration between the Province and the University of Antwerp, we test the potential of Time Machine technologies on the Herentals-Kleine Nete region, more specifically adressing the question of the historical land-use and water management of the river wetlands along the river Kleine Nete. If successfull, the project will result in A) an integrated methodology for the use of digital and digitized data in landscape history and archaeolgy; B) new insights in the history and evolution of valuable river wetlands and C) suggestions for the valorization of this knowledge in ecosystem management, tourism, agriculture and landscape development.

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  • Research Project

Demonstrator CONCEVAL. 10/09/2019 - 30/12/2019

Abstract

Demonstrator development for a Flanders Make project, focused on generative design and semi-automatic ranking of design proposals. Involves hardware and software to enable an embodied experience with the algorithm.

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  • Research Project

Mixed reality for mission-critical teamwork. 01/07/2019 - 31/12/2020

Abstract

We foresee that interactive augmented reality (AR) systems will be part of the professional of the future. The usability of such AR displays is key, even more in complex tasks. This proposal is deepening a specific aspect of augmented support, namely that of information display during mission-critical activities such as firefighting; in such cases, situational awareness needs to be improved, possibly by expanding the perception with additional sensors, spatial reasoning/mapping, and by remote support from a dispatcher. However, the current scientific body of knowledge only provides limited guidelines and case studies, but not true insights in optimal augmentation. We propose a human-factors approach in framing AR displays for mission-critical systems. The STRIMPRO will enable us to initiate comprehensive survey and a landmark experiment, published in a proper academic setting while engaging professionals and their supply chain for follow-up funding.

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The use of 3D technology for the restoration of complex cultural heritage objects. 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2023

Abstract

Fragile and very detailed cultural heritage objects, such as sculptured ceramics, can't be restored manually without further damage. 3D technology could be a great help in the process of repair. This includes 3D scanning, modelling, and 3D printing. A restored object, which is treated for aesthetic, commercial or museological purposes and with sustainable materials, has an overall greater value. For example, the proposed research would make it possible to produce replicas of fine and detailed sculptures for a better tactile sense experiences. There are four main aims in this research proposal: - Developing a method for restorers by creating a digital toolbox: what kind of scanning, modelling and printing techniques are available and for what type of sculpted ceramics or other artworks could they be used? - Therefore, there is also the need to get more insight the damages present in cultural heritage, starting with sculptured ceramic objects. - Defining which conditions are necessary for a good repair: Authenticity and other values are important to consider during conservation and the correspondent ethical decision has an influence on the visual result in the end. - Formulation and validation of the methodology by a collection of cases.

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  • Research Project